Design 2020/21 | Page 74

IS HARDWOOD FLOORING AN ECO-FRIENDLY CHOICE FOR YOUR HOME ? Homeowners are more and more concerned with their carbon footprint and this is reflected in the choice of materials used in their homes as well . Wood is a renewable natural resource , which means , when forested and manufactured responsibly , it can have a very low carbon footprint and be a very eco-friendly choice . Hardwood not only increases the value of your home but is also a healthier choice as it does not trap dust and allergens like carpet and is simple to keep clean . WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THE HARDWOOD YOU SELECT IS RESPONSIBLY MANUFACTURED ? When it comes to the manufacturing side , it ' s not just how the wood was forested , but also where . BreezeWood Floors has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the industry because our flooring plant is located right beside Townsend Lumber , where we source the majority of our wood . The lumber we use is all sourced from within a 500-mile radius which has earned us a LEED-certification as well as a Forest Stewardship Council ® ( FSC ®) certification . The other aspect that should be considered is the finishes used . At BreezeWood Floors , we are committed to flooring that is both sustainably sourced and also properly manufactured to ensure a healthy and long lasting product . This means using VOC free and formaldehyde-free stains , top coats and finishes for all products .
CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT IS AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT ? Sustainable forest management is a way of using and caring for forests so as to maintain their environmental , social and economic values and benefits over time . BreezeWood Floors participates in sustainable forestry by strongly supporting local tree bylaws , educational programs and other initiatives . These are all part of a solution to maintain and enhance our natural environment and quality of life and for future generations . Sustainable forest management helps Ontario ’ s forests by keeping them healthy and productive , conserving biodiversity , enhancing or protecting wildlife habitat , watersheds and other values . It also helps by reducing the build-up of greenhouse gases ( a major cause of climate change ), supporting Ontario communities , providing recreation opportunities ( hiking , hunting , fishing and more ) and enabling a healthy living environment , as well as supporting a strong forest industry . It also provides people with jobs and forest products ( lumber , paper , fuel , medicines , chemicals and more ). To ensure your flooring is a product of sustainable forestry , look for the Forest Stewardship Council ® ( FSC ®) certification . - BreezeWood Floors , www . breezewoodfloors . ca
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